Times Observer file photo by Brian Ferry On tuesday, Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz told the Parks & Recreation Commission that plans for an ongoing Crescent Park project could bring some changes to the helipad, such as restricted access to boats and trucks.

An ongoing Crescent Park project could bring some changes to the helipad as well.

The park, situated on the south side of the Allegheny River and across from downtown Warren, would bring a healing garden to the west end of the park.

Department of Public Works Director Mike Holtz told the Parks & Recreation Commission on Tuesday that plans were submitted to the state, who provided feedback on the city’s project proposal.

“We hope to have everything back to them (the state) by Friday,” he said.

Holtz added that the project is on schedule to be bid on in March and awarded in April with construction to commence in May.

He told the Commission that – ideally in conjunction with the healing garden project – that the city has had some “preliminary discussions” with Warren General Hospital about “doing some work at the helipad.”

Holtz said that work would include “better security.”

“That’s restricting access to boat traffic and trucks,” Terry Williams, director of codes, permitting and recreation services, said.

Holtz said the hospital has had conflicts with trailers and boats on the helipad when the helipad is needed and that this effort is “trying to find a way to make (it) more secure.”

He said, however, that the specifics of what that looks like aren’t yet clear.

In other business, Williams said the city is working on some modifications to the special events application process.

She said the two biggest changes proposed are amendments that would permit people hosting parties and the like at pavilions to include signs as well as some changes to permit some tents to be approved without special event permits.

She said the changes would be brought to the Commission at its next meeting in April before proceeding to Warren City Council.